We use cookies to ensure we give you the best experience on our website. You can find out about our cookies and how to disable cookies in our Privacy Policy. If you continue to use this website without disabling cookies, we will assume you are happy to receive them. Close.

London

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom and one of the leading global cities. The River Thames runs through the centre of London, which has been a major settlement for more than 2,000 years, since Londinium was founded by the Romans.

London can also be defined as Greater London which is a conurbation which forms the administrative boundaries of London. It covers 607 sq. miles and has a population of 8,787,892 (as of 2016). Greater London consists of 33 local government districts – 32 boroughs and the administrative and financial centre of the City of London.

The Greater London Built-Up Area (also known as the Greater LondonUrban Area) refers to the continuous urban area of London and surrounding urbantowns. This has a population of 9,787,426 (as of 2011).

The London Commuter Belt refers to the metropolitan area comprising London and its surrounding commuter zone (most of the South-East and part of the East of England). As of 2016, the population was approaching 14,500,000. However, the boundaries of this area are flexible as transportinfrastructure improves, housing provision increases, and more people are able to travel in and out of London to work.

London is the seat of the national government of the United Kingdom. The Minister of London (a cabinet position created in 1994) is currently Jo Johnson MP.

London’s administration is made up of a number of bodies:

Greater London Authority (GLA): Responsible for strategic local government. Consists of the elected Mayor of London (who has executive powers) and the LondonAssembly (which scrutinises the Mayor).